Tag Archive: food banks toronto

1. Filling Plates Together

   April 22, 2016 2:02 pm Comments Off on Filling Plates Together

   Just do it!

   That was Anita Booth’s response when I asked her if she had tips for getting the office involved in charitable efforts.  As Genworth’s Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Anita has spearheaded the company’s fundraising events in our Every Plate Full Campaign.

   

   This summer alone, 918,724 Canadians will be using a food bank to fill their plates. National campaign Every Plate Full will bring thousands of people like you together to provide food for people that need it the most.

   

   This is the second year that Genworth employees have filled the plates of Canadians that use food banks.  Last year the employees raised $4000 through fun activities such as jeans day (which Anita tells me is very popular at the office) and running raffles.  This year is no different. “We kicked off on April 4^th and we’ll spend the month raising money. Each week it’s something new and exciting. We have a 50/50 draw, a raffle for a new IPad and other great items”.

   And it’s more than raising money. “Working together to help others and having fun while doing it is what truly makes this effort a success. The employees really feel good at the end of the day.”

   How can you get your company involved with the Every Plate Full campaign? Anita tells me how easy it is to find a fundraising activity – no matter how small or busy your office may be.  “It’s easy and affordable to do things like jeans day, volunteering, an office potluck, a 50/50 draw or even a draw for a day away from the office. Anyone can get their employees excited about being a part of something no matter what their budget is.  It has also been proven that community involvement is imperative in attracting and retaining new talent.”

   

   So what are you waiting for?

   You can get your coworkers involved TODAY and be a part of this incredible nationwide effort to fill the plates of our neighbours! We want to provide 30,000 meals to your community and you can help make that happen! Sign up HERE or contact Shirah at 416-635-7771 x 48 or shirah@northyorkharvest.com and she’ll help you figure out what works for you and your company.

   Want to get involved as an individual or put a team together outside of work?  You can do that too!  Just sign up here! This summer, join thousands of Canadians across the country to ensure all of our neighbours have a full plate!

   
   
   
   
   

2. Nutrition for a Lifetime

   April 15, 2016 6:37 am Comments Off on Nutrition for a Lifetime

   

   One of the amazing things about working with North York Harvest is getting the chance to meet so many different people in our community.  Earlier this week I took the time to visit the Jane St. Hub and meet with Kathryn Walton.

   

   Every week there is a drop in program, “Jane St. Hub Prenatal Nutrition Program” for women hoping to learn about having healthy pregnancy, including improving their access to healthy food.  These women get together for a chance to meet other pregnant people, have a snack, discuss issues relevant to pregnancy and access the food bank.  Kathryn has worked with the prenatal program there for 2 years as a Registered Dietitian and assists these women with all of their needs involving nutrition.

   I popped into the program right before their group chat began and met up with Kathryn in the kitchen.  She was busy at work preparing snacks and a hot meal for the women to enjoy while having drop in.

   “Some of these women haven’t eaten all day and it really means a lot to them to come in and have a hot meal waiting for them,” Kathryn tells me.

   The food bank runs out of the small kitchen and provides extra food for the women to feed themselves and their families.  One thing I absolutely loved was the thoughtful and educational notes that Kathryn makes to go along with the food bank items.  These lovely notes contain messages about nutrition info and tips to prepare food bank items at home.

   

   As part of the educational aspect of the prenatal program, Kathryn motivates the women to pay attention to proper nutrition.  The women love learning about nutrition labels on foods as well as how to prepare the items from the food bank.  “Some items will go untouched in the program simply because the women don’t know what to do with them.  So I’ll discuss what options they have and how to easily make a healthy meal using the item”.  Sometimes Kathryn will have food demos in the kitchen using canned items such as beans, tomatoes or salmon to prepare the group meal.

   

   “Education about proper diet and nutrition really sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy food choices.” Kathryn says.

   It was such a nice experience taking the time to visit with Kathryn, the clients and the other women working in the program. It is so great to know that regardless of someone’s income or circumstances in life, they are able to access these kinds of programs.

   Without you programs like this would not be possible!

   Your support touches the lives of others in many ways and can prepare people and their children for a lifetime of healthy choices.

   Make a donation today to support the programs in your community.

    

   
   
   
   
   

3. Volunteer Appreciation 2016!

   April 8, 2016 3:40 pm Comments Off on Volunteer Appreciation 2016!

   We love our volunteers! Without their dedication and heart, we wouldn’t be able to provide food for over 13,000 people in Toronto every month! THANK YOU!

   To celebrate their commitment, we have put together a slideshow of many of our fantastic volunteers in action!
   

   Join the Team! Volunteer with Us!

   
   
   
   
   

4. Volunteers: Vital to Our Community!

   April 1, 2016 2:14 pm Comments Off on Volunteers: Vital to Our Community!

   Without the help of our INCREDIBLE volunteers it would not be possible to serve over 13,000 people every month!

   VOLUNTEER WITH US!

   

   Check out the PDF Here!

   
   
   
   
   

5. We Are Hiring!

   March 31, 2016 5:17 am Comments Off on We Are Hiring!

   Looking to join the North York Harvest Food Bank family?  We’re looking for a team player to work in our warehouse!

   WAREHOUSE POSITION

   Reporting:

   To the Director of Operations

   Terms:

   20 – 28 hours/week; for 1 year.

   Description:

   The Warehouse Staff Members support the North York Harvests Food Bank’s (NYHFB) operations team by working with colleagues to ensure product is moved on and off trucks, and throughout the warehouse, by assembling agency orders, by driving the forklift, if certified, by recording “Incoming” and “Outgoing” weights as required, and by acting as driver (if licensed), driver assistant, and/or food sorter when required.

   Key Accountabilities: 

   1. Loading and unloading trucks
   2. Making up agency orders based on established guidelines; wrapping and labelling products
   3. Manual physical lifting of food, household goods and packaged boxes
   4. Assist with delivery and pickups as needed, including driving if qualified
   5. Weigh and record incoming and outgoing food; participate in inventory control
   6. Work with all members of the Operations Team in maintaining accurate and up-to-date files and records; some data entry as needed
   7. Collaborate with warehouse team and the rest of the NYH team
   8. Maintain and clean warehouse regularly
   9. Focus on and execute safe work practices to achieve a safe work environment
   10. Participate in food sorting in accordance with food safety guidelines, as needed
   11. Assist with special events as needed
   12. Perform other duties as required

   Qualifications: 

   1. Interest in working in a busy warehouse; previous experience an asset
   2. Desire to work in an environment dealing with hunger, food security and/or poverty and servicing low-income, diverse and multicultural clients an asset
   3. Some experience using warehouse equipment preferred (training provided)
   4. Forklift certification and/or Driver’s License are an asset
   5. Basic English comprehension, verbally and in reading
   6. Organized and punctual; works well in a fast paced environment
   7. Hardworking and reliable team player
   8. Willingness to pitch in
   9. Basic computer skills, especially with the Microsoft Office suite of programs, an asset
   10. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

   Candidates must be in receipt of Ontario Works (OW)

   Preference will be given to candidates residing in North Toronto neighbourhoods. Salary range is from $12.07 to $14.15/hour depending on experience.

   Please submit your resume and covering letter to fred@northyorkharvest.com  or fax (416) 635-5599.

    

   Warehouse Staff Position
   
   
   
   

6. Amp Up Your Food & Funds Drive!

   March 26, 2016 4:07 pm Comments Off on Amp Up Your Food & Funds Drive!

   One of the best ways of getting involved with your community is by holding your very own food & funds drive!  This is an awesome way of collecting money and non-perishable items that will go towards providing many meals for your neighbours in need!

   Did you know that there are MANY ways to raise food and funds that are exciting and fun?

   Check out some of these great ideas!

   

   Host a talent show!
   

   Invite the entire school including parents and the surrounding community!  You can charge 2 cans for admission and have us come and support you! Don’t forget to live tweet everything!

    

   

   Have a street or parking lot party!

   Put out a food collection bin and run a carnival and BBQ. Game tickets can go towards NYH!

    

   

   Cram a bus!

   Cram a bus with as much food as (safely) possibly and join us at the food bank!  We would love to give you a tour and show you how we sort the food!

    

    

   Dress Down (or Up) for Work

   In order for an employee to come wearing something other than usual, they must bring two cans of food or a monetary donation.

    

   

   Host a Competition for Who Brings in the Most Food & Funds

   Give out prizes like:

   • most food collected per site/office/classroom
   • collected the most money
   • best photos of the food collection staging

    

   

   Host a Silent Auction or Raffle

   Funds raised from your event will help support over 13,000 people a month with their food needs!

    

   

   Host a Dance

   Attendees can bring food or a donation to the food bank as their entrance fee.  You can even have a dance off to find out who has the best moves!

    

    

   

   Have a Garage Sale

   Clean out your unwanted items (one person’s trash can be another’s treasure!) while raising money for your neighbours that are hungry!

    

   Still not sure what kind of fun ideas there are when helping your community? Check out this great list of 87 IDEAS!

   Ready to have a great time and provide meals to your neighbours that are hungry? Contact Leslie at leslie@northyorkharvest.com or 416-635-7771 ex 21 TODAY!

    

   
   
   
   
   

7. Eight GREAT Reasons to Volunteer!

   March 18, 2016 6:39 am Comments Off on Eight GREAT Reasons to Volunteer!

   Volunteers are incredibly important to their community!  I get to meet fantastic volunteers of North York Harvest every day and they always have a smile on their face and a great story to tell.

   Volunteers are the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization!  Without your help, charities like North York Harvest would not be able to collect, sort and distribute millions of pounds of food that serves over 16,000 people each month!

   

   Did you also know that there are many benefits in becoming a volunteer?

   1. Learn a new skill. Did you know NYH volunteers learn skills such as safe food handling, cooking, building a budget and much more?

   2. Make new friends and meet interesting people. Meet new people with similar interests or people from different walks of life.  Bond with others while helping out in your community.

   

   3. Boost your resume. Volunteering is a job even though you aren’t paid to do it. Many employers and colleges find the skills you gain from volunteering very important when looking for a person to hire.

   4. Increase self-confidence. When you do good in the community, it really gives you a feeling of accomplishment and pride. These feel good feelings will go with you into other areas of your life such as work or friendships.

   

   5. Stay physically fit. Many of the volunteers at North York Harvest lift boxes and are on their feet moving around to sort food or serve food bank clients. But even if you have limited mobility there are many other ways to get involved such as making phone calls and helping in the office!

   6. Set a good example for your kids. Steffi volunteers with her family sorting food in the warehouse.   “We serve as examples for children through our actions more than our words. We have not ever used a food bank and many need to. So I want my children to understand this is a reality for many people in Toronto”.

   

   7. Minimize stress. Move beyond your day-to-day troubles that can arise from your job or stress at home.

   8. Make a difference! Volunteers are essential to maintaining a thriving community!  It wouldn’t be possible without you!

    

   When you volunteer, it is a gift to yourself and your community!

   Join us today as one of our amazing volunteers!  To find out what kind of opportunities we offer, click here!

    

    

   
   
   
   
   

8. Linking Poverty & Poor Nutrition

   March 4, 2016 6:16 am Comments Off on Linking Poverty & Poor Nutrition

   One of my favourite pastimes is looking up recipes on Pinterest and being able to cook new and exciting meals for my friends.

   

   When you make your grocery list, you might be thinking of recipes for your family that include fresh ingredients such as vegetables, milk and meat.

   

   Unfortunately, for some people in our community, trying many of these new recipes is a luxury they don’t have because they can’t access fresh ingredients.   Many of our neighbours struggle to afford any food let alone food that’s healthy and nutritious. This can lead to choices between filling your belly with healthy items or filling your belly with empty calories to avoid hunger.

   You’ve seen it at the grocery store – the chips, ramen noodles and other processed foods are so much cheaper than what’s in the produce section. I find sales all the time on microwave dinners and sugary cereals, but rarely deals on ingredients for my next salad. Considering how low our dollar currently is, it’s hard for many to afford any fresh produce at all.

   

   Lack of proper nutrition is linked to low incomes and food is the most flexible item in a family budget.  During tough financial times, people will purchase the cheaper items in order to save money.  In fact, 54% of North York Harvest’s clients have reported skipping meals in order to pay for bills such as rent, utilities, transportation and food for their children.  33% of our clients go without food at least one day a week.

   

   A poor diet can also prove disastrous to one’s health as well.  Some effects of a poor diet include:

   • Fatigue
   • Weight Gain
   • Lowered Immunity
   • Diabetes
   • Dental Problems (bleeding gums, cavities)
   • Poor Sleep
   • Moodiness

   Here at North York Harvest, we strive to provide healthy food items and food education to our community. Every month over 15,000 people depend on North York Harvest for hampers of food.

   Because of the need for nutritious items in a food hamper, we often resort to food purchasing because food donations alone will not provide fresh items such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy and protein.  This is why we have started the Build a Hamper campaign to aide in purchasing these items to support low-income families that need them.

    

   You can help ensure that families receive healthy food items and don’t have to struggle with side effects of poor nutrition. Please help us take our food hampers to the next level. Your donations will purchase nutritious items and make sure that no child, parent or grandparent goes without enough healthy food.

   Next time when you’re out buying groceries for your next nutritious meal think about picking up some items for your neighbours in need.  Here is a list of suggested food items.